NB driver\'s handbook a guide to learning safe driving skills PDF

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New Brunswick

Driver’s Handbook New Brunswick Driver’s Handbook | A Guide to Learning Safe Driving Skills

New Brunswick Driver’s Handbook A Guide to Learning Safe Driving Skills Published under the authority of the Province of New Brunswick, Department of Public Safety P.O. Box 6000 Fredericton, NB E3B 5H1

ISBN 1-55396-605-8 The Province of New Brunswick gratefully acknowledges the co-operation and assistance of Saskatchewan Government Insurance (SGI) in providing many of the illustrations and photos pictured in this manual. These graphics may not be reproduced without the permission of SGI. Graphics and illustrations: Ed Beaudry (SGI) Ed Werthmann (CNB) Photos: Josh Sawka (SGI) New Brunswick Images (CNB) This document is distributed by Service New Brunswick on behalf of the Department of Public Safety Additional copies of handbook are available at www.snb.ca September 2011 78-9552

CNB 8245

Message to the Motorist Driving is such an important part of our culture here in New Brunswick, enabling us daily to meet our family, work and personal obligations, that we sometimes take our responsibility to driver safety somewhat for granted. It is helpful to recall that operating a motor vehicle is indeed a privilege that we share with over 500,000 other New Brunswickers, along with countless visitors to our province. The rules of the road only work to protect us if everyone follows them. That is why it is so important for new drivers to receive a proper grounding in the basics of road safety and why even experienced drivers must constantly be observant and work to improve their skills. This handbook contains a solid overview of the laws you will be expected to follow, and the process for obtaining your license. It also includes a variety of helpful, safety-related motor vehicle and highway information. I would urge all drivers to follow the essential safety rules; never drink and drive, always wear your seatbelt, adjust your speed to the conditions, avoid distractions while at the wheel, don't drive if you're too tired and be very careful at intersections. If all drivers followed these simple rules it would dramatically reduce the number of collision-related deaths and injuries on our roadways. Drive safely and live. Charles A. O'Donnell Registrar of Motor Vehicles

The contents of this booklet explain the motor vehicle related laws in New Brunswick using basic language and terms. For an exact expression of the law refer to the Motor Vehicle Act and Regulations.

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1. LICENSING OF DRIVERS Possession of a driver’s licence and the privilege of driving is a major responsibility. The Registrar of Motor Vehicles, under the authority of the Motor Vehicle Act issues, renews and suspends driver’s licences. Every person who operates a motor vehicle in New Brunswick must demonstrate that he/ she has the qualifications necessary to safely operate a motor vehicle. A valid driver’s licence for the class of vehicle being operated is a requirement of the law. You must always carry your driver’s licence when operating a vehicle and must produce it for inspection on the request of any peace officer or display it on request to any other driver with whom you may be involved in a collision. Note: As of June 1, 2009 all motorists in New Brunswick under the age of 21 must maintain a 0% Blood Alcohol Level while driving.

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1.1 Types of Licences

Class 1 • Applicant must be at least 18 years of age. • Applicant must meet medical standards before written test. • Must pass vision screening (20/30 best eye; 20/50 weakest eye). • Must pass written tests (basic - sign - supplementary). • Must pass road test in a mechanically fit vehicle supplied by applicant that is included in the Class. Normally this will be a tractor-trailer combination. There are limited exceptions: (1) straight truck with flatbed trailer over 4,500 kg. gross vehicle mass; (2) straight truck with pole trailer; (3) truck used for towing mobile homes. These exceptions will be class 1 with Restriction 10 (not valid for tractor trailer). Explanation The Class 1 licence permits the holder to operate: • Any motor vehicle which the holder of a Class 2, 3, 4 or 5 licence may operate. • Any truck tractor. • Any truck tractor towing a semi-trailer. • Any truck tractor towing a semi-trailer and a trailer. • Any truck tractor towing a trailer equipped with air brakes. • Any truck towing a trailer equipped with air brakes. • Must have air brake endorsement when driving any vehicle with air brakes and any vehicle towing a trailer with air brakes.

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Class 2 • • • • •

Applicant must be at least 18 years of age. Applicant must meet medical standards before written test. Must pass vision screening (20/30 best eye; 20/50 weakest eye). Must pass written tests (basic - signs- supplementary). Must pass road test in mechanically fit vehicle supplied by applicant that is included in this Class. • Must have a B or C endorsement if driving a school bus. • Must be at least 21 years of age and retested every 2 years for a school bus. • Applicants between the ages of 60-65 must be retested yearly for school bus. Explanation The Class 2 licence permits the holder to operate: • Any motor vehicle which the holder of a Class 3, 4 or 5 licence may operate. • Any bus with a capacity of more than twenty-four (24) passengers.

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Class 3 • • • • •

Class 3/4 Authorizes a person to drive any motor vehicle which the holder of a Class 3 or Class 4 licence may operate.

Applicant must be at least 18 years of age. Applicant must meet medical standards before written test. Must pass vision screening (20/30 best eye; 20/50 weakest eye). Must pass written tests (basic - signs - supplementary test). Must pass road test in mechanically fit vehicle supplied by applicant that is included in this Class.

Explanation The Class 3 licence permits the holder to operate: • Any motor vehicle which the holder of a Class 5 licence may operate. • Any two-axled motor vehicle towing a towed vehicle, the towed vehicle being registered for over 4,500 kg. gross vehicle mass but not equipped with air brakes. • Any motor vehicle with three or more axles. • Any motor vehicle with three or more axles, towing a towed vehicle not equipped with air brakes. Class 4 • Applicant must be at least 18 years of age. • Applicant must meet medical standards. • Must pass vision screening (20/30 best eye; 20/50 weakest eye, before written test). • Must pass written tests (basic - signs). • Must pass road test in mechanically fit vehicle supplied by applicant that is included in this Class. Explanation The Class 4 licence permits the holder to operate: • Any motor vehicle which the holder of a Class 5 licence may operate. • Any ambulance. • Any taxicab. • Any bus with a capacity of less than twenty-five (25) passengers.

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Class 5 • Applicant must be at least 18 years of age. • Must pass vision screening (20/40 best eye). • Must pass road test in mechanically fit vehicle supplied by the applicant that is included in this Class. Explanation Class 5 licence permits the holder to operate: • Any two-axled motor vehicle, except taxi, ambulance, or bus. • Any three-axled motor home. • Any three axled motor vehicle, other than a truck, of a type designed for use in the construction, maintenance and repair of highways, whether or not the vehicle is to be so used. • Any towed vehicle which is registered up to and including 4,500 kg. gross vehicle mass behind a motor vehicle or motor home. Class 6 (All Motorcycles) • Applicant must be at least 16 years of age. • Applicants under the age of 18 years must have parental consent form. • Must pass vision screening (20/40 best eye). • Must pass written tests (basic - signs - supplementary). • Must pass road test on mechanically fit motorcycle. • Must wear adequate protective headgear. Explanation The Class 6 licence permits the holder to operate a motorcycle and all vehicles included in Classes 6D and 9 on a street or highway. Class 6D (Not to exceed 550 ccs) • Applicant must be at least 16 years of age. • Applicants under the age of 18 years must have parental consent form. • Must pass vision screening (20/40 best eye). • Must pass written tests (basic - signs - supplementary). • Must pass road test on mechanically fit motorcycle.

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Explanation Class 6D licence authorizes you to operate a motorcycle up to and including 550 ccs and a Class 9 vehicle. Anything over this size requires a Class 6 licence. Class 7 Graduated Licence (Level I and II) This is an instructional type of licence for the driver to acquire experience, over a minimum of 24 months, before becoming a fully licensed driver. While the holder of a graduated licence, the driver must maintain 0% blood alcohol content while driving and any breach of this condition will result in a one year suspension, followed by a return to the beginning of the graduated licence period with no credit given for a previously passed road test or driver training course.

Class 7 licence is issued for four years. It is your responsibility to apply for a Class 5 Licence upon completion of a Class 7 Graduated Licence (Level II)

Suspension for loss of all points will result in at least a three month suspension followed by a return to the beginning of the graduated licence period with no credit given for a previously passed road test or driver training course. • Applicant must be at least 16 years of age. • Applicants under 18 years of age must have parental consent that must be witnessed by a non-relative. • Must pass vision screening (20/40 best eye). • Must pass written, basic and signs tests. Explanation Level 1 • Must be accompanied by only one passenger who has a Class 5 or better licence, at least three years of driving experience and who is seated in the front passenger seat. • Cannot drive between midnight and 5:00 a.m. • Can be eligible to take the road test for Level 2 after eight months if graduated from a licensed driver training school or after 12 months if they have not.

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Level 2 • If under 21, cannot drive between midnight and 5:00 a.m. except for education or work purposes or if they’re accompanied by a driver who has a Class 5 or better licence and at least three years driving experience. They can apply to the Registrar of Motor Vehicles for an exemption to this night time restriction for other reasons. • Cannot have more than three passengers in their vehicle and no more than one passenger in the front seat. Class 8 • Applicant must be at least 14 years of age. • Applicants under 18 years of age must have parental consent form. • Must pass vision screening (20/40 best eye). • Must pass written tests (basic - signs). Explanation The Class 8 licence permits the holder to operate a farm tractor on a street or highway as well as on farmland. Class 9 • Applicant must be at least 14 years of age. • Applicant under 18 years of age must have parental consent form. • Must pass vision screening (20/40 best eye). • Must pass written tests (basic - signs) and supplementary. • Must pass road test on a mechanically fit motor driven cycle. • Must wear adequate protective headgear. Explanation The Class 9 licence permits the holder to operate a motor driven cycle and farm tractor on a street or highway. The motor driven cycle must be 50 ccs or under. 1.2 List of Possible Endorsements

A B C D E

Valid for all motorcycles Valid for school buses Valid for school bus and motorcycle Valid for motorcycles up to and including 550 ccs Valid for air brake (plastic licence)

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1.3 Learning to Drive Vehicles Requiring Higher Class Licences

Classes 5, 4, 3 and 2 are valid for learning to drive higher classes of vehicles; however you must be accompanied by a person who has a valid licence for that class of vehicle. Also, you must have in your immediate possession a satisfactory medical certificate stamped by an authorized Driver Examiner. 1.4 Examination for Learner’s Licence There is a separate fee for both written and road tests and an additional fee for the Learner’s Licence. Check with Service New Brunswick for the amounts.

Before you, as a resident of New Brunswick, may obtain a learner’s licence, you must pass an examination to determine if you meet the required vision standards. You must also have an acceptable knowledge of road signs, rules of the road and safe driving practices. In addition, you must present one original or certified copy of a valid passport, birth certificate, or court order to verify your name and date of birth and two pieces of identification to verify your current address. Please contact Service New Brunswick for a complete list of acceptable documents. It may be a requirement for a parent or guardian to accompany you to verify your address. You must have the written consent of a parent or guardian before applying for a licence if you are less than 18 years of age. A consent form is provided at the back of this book and must be witnessed properly. This written consent may be withdrawn by the parent or guardian at any time prior to age 18, by making written application to the Registrar of Motor Vehicles who may then cancel the licence. Vision Test If it is found that you need visual correction in order to drive safely, you will be advised accordingly and no further testing can occur and a licence cannot be issued to you until you obtain the necessary correction. When a driver’s licence is issued, it will display the appropriate restriction “Valid only while licence holder is wearing proper visual correction”.

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Road Sign Recognition Test You will be given a written or oral examination on your ability to recognize and understand the meaning of highway road signs. This test consists of twenty (20) signs. To pass, you must correctly match sixteen (16), with the exception of “stop”, “yield” and “school ahead” which are mandatory. Rules Test You will be given a written or oral examination on the traffic laws and rules for safe driving as contained in this book. The written exam consists of twenty (20) multiple choice questions. To pass, you must answer sixteen (16) correctly. Although this guide offers measurements in both Metric and Imperial systems, the written test refers only to the Metric system. 1.5 Examination for Driver’s Licence

Note: Appointments for testing can only be booked through Service New Brunswick Teleservices (1-888-762-8600) You must pass a driving examination to determine whether you are qualified to operate a motor vehicle safely before you can be issued a driver’s licence. These examinations are conducted by a Driver Examiner who also indicates the areas of your driving which need further improvement and stresses the importance of your attitude as a determining factor in safe driving. Driving Test This is an examination to test your actual driving skills and your ability to operate a vehicle safely while abiding by the rules of the Motor Vehicle Act. You must come to the examination office with a vehicle that is in good mechanical condition, preferably the one which you expect to operate after you obtain your driver’s licence. (You must have the valid motor vehicle registration and insurance card to show the Examiner upon request). As part of the road test, the vehicle will be checked by the Examiner to ensure that it meets the standards set out under the Motor Vehicle Act. The road test will not be conducted if the vehicle is not in satisfactory mechanical condition.

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During the driving test, do not talk unnecessarily to the Examiner who will be busy giving instructions, observing your performance and recording your score. No tricks will be played on you. The Examiner will not ask you to do anything which is a violation of the law. The purpose of the exam is to determine if you can operate a motor vehicle well enough to receive a driver’s licence. The driving test includes such operations as: 1. Stopping and starting, both on a level road and on a hill. 2. Changing gears in vehicles not having automatic transmissions, both on a level road and on a hill. 3. Making left and right turns. 4. Backing. 5. Following another vehicle properly. 6. Giving proper signals. 7. Parallel and/or angle parking. 8. Observing and complying with traffic control devices (signs, signals and pavement markings). The examination will be conducted over a course of at least 3 km, and when possible, will be conducted in fairly dense traffic. The exam also tests your ability to apply your knowledge of the rules of the road, recognition of road signs, visual perception, etc. You may know every safe driving rule, may have adequate vision and other physical abilities and may exhibit the most exemplary attitude, but until you show your ability and skill in an actual driving test, you have not proven that you are competent to operate a motor vehicle safely upon the highway. The following is a sample of the road test evaluation form used by the examiner while conducting a driving test. If you are learning to drive, it may help you to have your teacher grade you, using this form. As a driver, you have developed certain driving habits. Why not have your licensed passenger verify your driving?

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A. VEHICLE HANDLING Pass

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Stopping from upgrade ____

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Pass

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Starting Remarks Backing Remarks Parking Remarks Starting from curb Remarks Remarks Posture

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Remarks B. TRAFFIC CONDTIONS Following Remarks Passing Remarks Being passed Remarks Use of horn Remarks Right of way Remarks

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C. ROAD TEST Pass Stop signs

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Remarks Traffic lights Remarks Left turns Remarks Left turn from one way street Remarks Right turn Remarks Blind intersection Remarks Multiple lanes Remarks Other signs Remarks Attention Remarks One-way street Remarks Road Test Summary At the end of the test the examiner will explain the ways in which your driving skills require improvement and will advise you on how to improve.

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Re-examination After Failure ...